Out With the Old

re: Out With the Old

dr fager01 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:36:40 GMT

PEMY, you said you saw cigar and skipaway,but not the bull run, well i saw holy bull, he had brought tremendous life back to thoroughbred racing, his breakdown in the donn G1 shifted the paradyme of the racing world. resulted in an average consistant G1 winner name cigar reel of 16 straight to become americas horse. bull possesed speed power and heart of a lion, i sympathize with your absence of witnessing one of the greatest thoroughbreds to have graced american racing.

re: Out With the Old

Michael — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:22:00 GMT

Hi Karen2,

I am the Michael that Steve refers to when you asked about the Lexington trip. As you may be able to tell from my e-mail, I've been busy following the STEELERS and I am just getting caught up on my racing news. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me (pghfans@comcast.net) and we can discuss your plans. Hopefully, we will see you in Lexington this year.

re: Out With the Old

Matthew W — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:15:34 GMT

Steve you're so right about California Racing Board's "rushing in" with the synthetics! I can remember when they widened Hollywood Park's dirt course to 1 1/8 mi---it was the finest dirt track I ever saw!.... It was the growth hormones/steroids that produced the heavy muscle that that caused the breakdowns on the dirt---just to change track surfaces--like you would change into your NIKE shoes to accomidate your pumped up body---changing track surfaces merely accomodates this newer equine athlete---Why instead not ban for life the cheaters, who skim from the top/all that is good about this sport! I live in the West/would like to see Zenyatta run once again---But I really want to see her dirt! California needs to get ONE dirt track back---That's what has become of racing: Everyone wants to know if they can dirt/and now nobody knows.....howbout a threeway at Oaklawn with the Godolphin tandem and the big black mare.....

re: Out With the Old

Matthew W — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:08:59 GMT

Steve, Big Brown retired and with nary a word about his soundness--Big Brown retired sound/with a quarter which is/was really no biggie---Horseracing needed a David Stern type--to convince IBEA to race at four---COMPENSATING THEM by paying for his insurance/ and upping his purses by one million...Horseracing needed to offer that to Curlin as well, as well as Zenyatta.....offering five million if two face off....ten million if all three go, say, in the Whitney.....And then there was Zenyatta.....Here's hoping she goes East/Here's hoping they pay her cuz she's a mare so money talks....Get it up, Saratoga, offer an extra mil---You're Saratoga, you're supposed to have the very best---SO....Go out and get her--We all want and need to see it!

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:22:13 GMT

Barnstable Brown party.

Hosted by Patricia BB and her sister Priscilla, in honor of Patricia's husband, who had diabetes, now deceased, to raise money for Diabetes research. Lots of 'celebrities' often B listers or athletes usually a performer or two, sometimes impromptu. You can buy tickets for a grand or more.

Black tie affair. Proceeds go to a reasearch program at UK. Lots of corporate sponsors, Not my cup of tee, do it once, that's enough though it's a good cause.

Lots of parties, events etc. You can't possibly do them all but try to take in the Museum and at least one of the Derby festival events, if that's your thing, Pegasus parade?

If you're staying in Lexington, drive out to see some of the farms. That is the real beauty there.

The homes in Old Louisville are interesting too. Some really old, beautiful mansions etc.

re: Out With the Old

txhorsefan — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:27:55 GMT

Going to the Derby??!! Wow, for Karen2! That has got to be exciting, but you're going to have to keep posting about the plans as you make them and then let us all know how it all works out. Hubby and I keep saying we're going to try to get there some day, but at the rate we're going, it may not ever happen. All the travelling we thought we'd do when he retired hasn't quite worked out - ha! You will definitely need to go to Lexington, too, if you don't do the package that stays there and commutes to Louisville. Whatever way you do travel, I hope it will be wonderful!

re: Out With the Old

Karen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:45:59 GMT

Barb: Traveling alone????? Well if you do, I will get you contact information or something so we can hang out. I will be going with my mother and sister and maybe a girlfriend from Colorado. Its not really my moms dream or my sisters but my mom lives on the east coast and it sounds like fun to her to go. So I think it will just be an over all good time.

I really did some dreaming today. I looked up rentmyhouse4derby.com and just looked at all the beautiful places for rent. You literally live like a movie star for a couple days. DREAMY! But money does matter so maybe someday when I win the lottery! What's with this Brownstable party? Sounds like the place to be if your an important person.

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:15:02 GMT

Karen, not sure what part of Colorado you're talking about but the wide open still exists there, my gran lives there.

Here in California is beautiful, can't beat the Ocean but too many people.

Think I agree with Katsan that New Mexico is one beautiful place. Gets the bad rap, but nowhere has the variety of country like they do. Plus they are horse people all over that State. They're up to 6 race tracks now and the whole state has maybe a couple million people. Bet there's more animals than people there.

As far as the people who have been crushed on here. Well we're fans, gamblers etc. Don't think what someone says on a racing blog affects our everyday life much at all, agree?

At least in no way, shape or form that it affects those who are in the industry, have been long before our fandom, will be long after we move on to something else. Most of them live and die with it. Wouldn't you be just as passionate about something that was life and death, food on the table and something you have done your whole life? Can't compare how we feel to that at all, not about racing anyway.

Just think that's what I'm saying and think the chastisement was unnecessary and out of place, by all who did or have done it.

re: Out With the Old

Karen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:45:42 GMT

Thanks for the warning Bradgm about the mint Julep. Perhaps just buying the glass will be a better option. We do plan on taking in the Oaks as well and am also looking forward to that. I do remember Smarty's run and remember seeing some not so great weather so I prepare for both and hope for the best!

North Dakota in my opinion is a very well kept secret. There is a general assumption that it is just cold and miserable here. Although it can be cold and miserable, there are so many great things about North Dakota. We are actually having one of the worst winters in 10 years. Really they have been quite mild and have very little snow. But it really is the heart of the farming community. Believe it or not, we are the number one producers of 16 commodities. The summers here are fabulous and honestly, I live in literally the cleanest city I have ever seen. Lots of pride of ownership and real salt of the earth people. Yes, it is a more conservative community with a lot of old values but I love it and it is a wonderful place to raise your kids. I don't know if you read the New York Times but a month ago North Dakota hit the front page with the statement "Recession? What recession? It is rich in Western history and the badlands are breathtaking. Unfortunately, the closest race track is 200 miles away and it is a very small scale track. When I feel like maybe I'm missing out on something, I travel to Colorado (where I was raised) and then I can't wait to get back to wide open spaces and clean air.

I'm sorry your friends have felt their insight and viewpoints were crushed on here. It has happened to me as well and probably most bloggers on here a time or two. I think the key is not in what you say but how you say it and I know sometimes blogs can be taken the wrong way. I have actually been trying to be more careful in my selection of words when addressing others. I think there are a lot of differing opinions but it also makes it good discussion with a lot of good view points. We really are blessed the BH lets us do this.

re: Out With the Old

The Deacon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:04:08 GMT

I just read that Joe Hirsch the dean of American turf writers died this morning. He was an amazing and gifted writer who brought integrity and fun to this sport. I was just wondering Steve if you had the thought perhaps to write a blog about his life and what he meant to American racing.

Thank you........................

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:03:10 GMT

p.s. My favorite basketball coach of all time, Lute Olson, the guy Midnight Lute is named after is from North Dakota too. I've been to both Dakota's. Bill Mott was born in SD used to run in SD before he went to work for Jack Van Berg and Wayne ran there when he was young.

It's an interesting area of the country although South Dakota seems like it got the better of the deal.

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:54:51 GMT

No maam it was not just you, but several people on Jason's blog.

It wasn't anything said to me at all. Since, really I'm still just a fan and gambler when all is said and done, even though I may be getting into a partnership here soon.

I made two friends on the BH blogs who are in the industry who I was fortunate enough to actually meet plus 2 others who I converse with on here but haven't actually met.

( Hey Wanda, hope you're staying warm! Katsan, hope you're having a better year, praying no more tradgedies for you.)

At least one of those I have actually met had his insight, crushed then was scolded for his viewpoint. The others were sort of dismissed as well.

Was just saying that as friendly, nice and accomodating as he and his friend turned out to be towards me and my friends in real life, it's a shame some people didn't realize just how nice these people are. Passionate about their livlihood and trying to defend it, really who should have to do that day after day?

The other person I know who is very Derby oriented, and accomodating, I have known for a long time, didn't meet on here of course, met thru another friend years ago. He's not exactly without his battles with the media etc.

I'm just happy that you will be getting to attend the Derby, to me that fits into 100 things to do before you die. It's all about the fashion (according to my wife) it ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Statemet that you don't drink and a Mint Julep all in the same sentence? Whoa! No offense to Early Times, but that is definitely not a cocktail for the weak hearted. May want to buy their readymix and give it a try at home to see how you react. Me, I (BLASPHEMY) don't like them, but to get a glass and try them guess everyone should do it once. You can just buy the glass you know, I have a nice collection.

Still hope you can fit the Oaks into your schedule as well as everything else, sounds like you'll be busy. Just be prepared for crowds and craziness.

Also, not to be negative, but it can be ugly weather (remember Smarty's run? That was a scary storm.). As long as you're prepared, nothing can make you enjoy it any less. Whether it's rain or really hot. I hope for your sake it's a mild, sunny, bright and beautiful day!

re: Out With the Old

SusanW — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:37:48 GMT

Karen2,

Your excitement is contagious! Now I'm thinking about the Derby this year.

Wondering if you are a member of the Churchill Downs Twin Spires club (TwinSpiresClub.com)? I know I got an offer from them for Derby tickets a few months ago, but it was pricey and I don't remember what it included. The seats were good and it wasn't a lottery type thing.

Anyway, good luck to a fellow misplaced racing fan and don't forget to visit Old Friends a few miles down the road from KHP.

re: Out With the Old

Grandefan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:20:49 GMT

This is a great blog...thanks, Steve! I must give a shout out to barb with her newspaper stories on the filly racing for charity. We MUST both live in PDX and follow the PM circuit through the big "O". Yes, the coverage is sparse and weak, but if you keep after them, I'll do it too! I have needled them mercilessly on their lack of coverage. Maybe WE should offer to proof read for the young reporter and be a source of support -- we need her.

re: Out With the Old

Karen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:54:59 GMT

Bradgm:

Your comments have me a bit troubled. I remember back and remember you took issue with something I posted so I believe when you are referring to two people you are referring to Draynay and of course me. If I offended you in a previous post, please accept my apology. I consider myself a genuinely nice person who is passionate about racing. I can be a little opinionated at times but don't know to many adults that don't have that problem. I certainly don't hold a grudge. Especially towards another poster. I respect everyone on these boards...everyone... even if we don't share the same opinion. I can be open minded and learn something every day from someone posting out here. I believe we are all kindred spirits who share a deep love for this industry and these horses. As Steve says... Out with the old.... Can we start fresh?

My bags are not packed yet but I'm sure as soon as I book the package they will be. I'm 41 so this is a long time coming. I am already thinking about what kindof hat to wear and what kindof dress. All in all what I hope to get out it is that the Derby will be all that I have dreamt it will be along with the added bonus of meeting some of my favorite famous individuals, such as Smarty, Cigar, Alysheba,BB and of course Steve Haskin. I don't drink much but maybe will have to try a mint Julip (spelled wrong?). Yes, I live waaaayyyy up here in the North. It's wicked cold and I can already feel the Kentucky sunshine on my face. I simply can't wait.

re: Out With the Old

Wanda — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:32:00 GMT

Karen2 you think you live in the north pole? No way girlfriend I'm farther north than you and I'm excited just reading about your plans!

re: Out With the Old

txhorsefan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:58:13 GMT

Belatedly, thank you again for another wonderful article. It's been a while since I read it the first time, but I've been doing some thinking about all that you said in regard to Big Brown and I have to admit that I was one of those who was put off by the words and actions of his connections. First and foremost, I have loved horses for as long as I can remember (and that's a long, long time - ha), so for me to have gotten so caught up in the connections of the horses is strange, even to me. Perhaps it was the all the heart-warming stories of the recent past, Funnycide's Sackatoga crew, Smarty Jones' lovable Chapmans, and even Giacomo's underdog status for his KD win, helped me to get caught up in the romantic human interest side of things, and led to my bias. I fell completely in love with Barbaro and all of his connections and followed him through his ordeal, again gaining a great respect and deep admiration for his trainer and his owners. In my opinion, Barbaro had that look of eagles, but of course, I never saw him up close and personal, so maybe it was just my school-girl infatuation. The next year, it was Street Sense and Hard Spun for me, yep, the connections were part of that picture, too. In other words, I'll admit that I let the media's coverage of Big Brown's connections influence me to not be in favor of the horse. Hypocrite! Yes, that would be me. Thank you for making me stop to think about it, Steve. Big Brown's Derby was definitely a race for the ages when he blasted to the front from the 20 stall, it just would have been so much nicer if Dutrow had been able to keep his mouth shut. I am going to try to keep a more open mind in the future, because it is all about the horse first.

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:49:42 GMT

p.s.

You're the one from ND? The hinterlands?

Man if you're this excited now you'll never survive....

Got your hat and outfit picked out and your bags packed? Remember as a kid the few trips I went on my clothes were totally wrinkled by the time I left on the trip.

TRY to go to the Oaks, that's a great experience too, lots of locals on that day.

Dream of a lifetime or 4 to get to the coveted circle. In the paddock on the big day, unbelievable (as Bob Lewis often said)

One guy I met on these, then in person, very accomodating and generous. So didn't even really need to be friends with him.

Showed the respect and it happened, could've happened for others too.

re: Out With the Old

Steve Haskin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:47:32 GMT

Karen, I know they like to get different people each year, and they've invited several people to speak, but they havent gotten anyone yet. It's still early. I doubt it will be me again. It was a hassle going all the way to Lexington and then driving back to Louisville that night and get up at 4 a.m. the next morning. I'm sure whoever they get will be terrific.

re: Out With the Old

Steve Haskin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:43:48 GMT

Kathy, Forego will be my next "Look back" blog. I'm not sure when I'll get to it, but I've already started preparing it, and oddly enough it begins with my visit to Forego at John Ward's farm withy my wife. I'd love to see your photos. Forego is still the most remarkable horse I've ever seen. Some of the things he accomplished are unheard of today.

re: Out With the Old

Bradgm — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:43:09 GMT

Well Karen, at least two I met on here. Think back.

The other well known guy, known well for a long time.

Just listen when they talk or learn when I really am not as informed as they are.

Not kissing up, just showing respect. Sad, don't think that perspective will be available to all anymore here, oh well reap what you sow.

re: Out With the Old

tanzkd — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:58:29 GMT

Hey Steve, love your articles & especially your article "out with the Old" from 1-2-08. When you talk about the "look of eagles" the 1st horse to come to mind is the GREAT FOREGO. I had taken some pics of him at the Ward farm bfore he went to the Ky.Horse Park & those shots show the look of eagles. Sent a set of pics I took of him at "Farewell to Forego Day" & at Ward's farm to Frank Whiteley,Jr. I guess he liked them, never returned them. Saw Majestic Prince at Spendthrift & he also had "THE LOOK". Would like to send you some of these pics if you'd like. Kathy

re: Out With the Old

Karen2 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:28:22 GMT

Steve,

Any chance you will be the "guest" speaker again? That is included in the package. Darn...looks like I'm a year late........

re: Out With the Old

Karen2 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:23:49 GMT

Bradgm:

Thanks for the info. You are very fortunate to know people on the inside. I live in the North pole quite close to Santa so don't know any people involved in racing on the big scale and frankly people around here look at me funny when I talk about it so much. As far as making a habit out of making your friends mad or calling them out... I would hope not. After all, they are your friends : )

I am one of those very misplaced race fans. Got involved in horses at a young age and had the race bug from a young age and soaked in as much about it as I could my entire life....from afar.... but it looks like I'm headed to Kentucky this year and I am beside myself!

re: Out With the Old

Steve Haskin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:14:25 GMT

Karen, as I said, the Radisson package is the one I spoke at last year on their first night. It was fun and the group was very responsive and seemed to enjoy all the stories I told and the human interest angles surrounding the Derby horses.